Immigrant scientists have families, too

1:39 PM,
Apr. 2, 2013

Written by

Steve and Cokie Roberts

As the debate over immigration reform reaches a climax, a troubling idea seems to be gaining traction. It is that annual limits on new visas should be severely restricted, and that America must choose between two groups of newcomers: high-tech workers with advanced degrees or family members of existing residents.

This is a false and foolish choice that Congress should reject. Immigrants are good for this country and always have been. We should want more of them, not fewer. As President Obama said recently at a White House naturalization ceremony: "Immigration makes us stronger. It keeps us ...